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Waymo and Uber to Launch Robotaxi Service in Atlanta

Uber and Waymo Partner to Launch Robotaxi Service in Atlanta

Partnership Update

Uber and Waymo are inviting customers in Atlanta to join a list to hail a Waymo robotaxi as the companies prepare to launch a commercial service in the city. This move is part of an expanded partnership announced last September, which also includes offering a robotaxi service in Austin.

Background of the Partnership

The partnership has undergone significant changes since early 2018, when they went head-to-head in a trial that alleged Uber stole trade secrets belonging to Waymo. The lawsuit was settled in February 2018. However, the companies have since made significant progress, with Waymo developing and testing its autonomous vehicle technology and expanding its commercial service to Phoenix, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. Uber, on the other hand, continued to operate its in-house autonomous vehicle unit, Uber ATG, until it was sold off to Aurora in 2020.

How the Partnership Works

The "Waymo on Uber" service splits the responsibilities of owning and operating a fleet of driverless vehicles between the two companies. Uber handles the charging, maintenance, and cleaning of the autonomous vehicles, as well as managing access to the robotaxis via its app. Waymo, on the other hand, monitors the tech and the autonomous operations, including rider assistance. Only Uber users can hail Waymo’s fleet of autonomous Jaguar I-PACE vehicles.

Expansion Plans

The robotaxi service will initially cover 65 square miles of the city, including the Downtown, Buckhead, and Capitol View areas. The companies have plans to expand the operating territory in the future. Customers who join the list will receive updates and increase their chances of hailing a robotaxi once the service officially launches.

How to Join the List

To join the list, customers in Atlanta need to update the Uber app, then go to “Account” and then “Settings.” From there, customers can click on “Ride Preferences,” where they should see a list that includes autonomous vehicles and an option to join the interest list.

FAQs

Q: What is the "Waymo on Uber" service?
A: The "Waymo on Uber" service is a partnership between Uber and Waymo that allows customers to hail a Waymo robotaxi using the Uber app.

Q: How does the partnership work?
A: The partnership splits the responsibilities of owning and operating a fleet of driverless vehicles between the two companies. Uber handles the charging, maintenance, and cleaning of the autonomous vehicles, as well as managing access to the robotaxis via its app. Waymo, on the other hand, monitors the tech and the autonomous operations, including rider assistance.

Q: Where will the robotaxi service be available?
A: The robotaxi service will initially be available in 65 square miles of Atlanta, including the Downtown, Buckhead, and Capitol View areas.

Q: Can anyone hail a robotaxi?
A: No, only Uber users can hail a Waymo robotaxi using the Uber app.

Q: How do I join the list?
A: To join the list, customers in Atlanta need to update the Uber app, then go to “Account” and then “Settings.” From there, customers can click on “Ride Preferences,” where they should see a list that includes autonomous vehicles and an option to join the interest list.

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